When Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the "Stay Home, Stay Safe" Executive Order, she mentioned that spending time outside is beneficial and encouraged. Physical activity is known to reduce anxiety, which can be helpful at this time. While it's crucial to continue to follow public health recommendations, outdoor recreation space is available for public use.

Countywide officials encourage the community to continue spending time outside. However, please maintain physical distance of at least six feet with others enjoying the outdoors. Everyone must continue to observe the governor's "Stay Home, Stay Safe" order, even while outside.

Calhoun County:

Calhoun County Parks are open to the public from dawn to dusk. The Calhoun County trail is 10 feet wide and over five miles long. Bathrooms are closed until further notice. Please visit the Calhoun County parks website for information.

The following Calhoun County parks are available:

Historic Bridge Park -14930 Wattles Rd., Battle Creek

The playground in Historic Bridge Park is closed due to the governor’s orders, but visitors can still access the Historic Bridges and the Calhoun County Trail.

Kimball Pines Park - 1158 East Michigan Ave., Battle Creek

Ott Preserve South - 1129 Olive St., Battle Creek

Ott Preserve North - 410 Jameson St., Battle Creek

Calhoun County Trail Trailhead -904 East Emmett St, Battle Creek

Battle Creek:

City of Battle Creek parks are open from dawn until dusk, and we encourage neighbors to enjoy them while observing at least six feet of physical distance from others. The city may add signs to our parks to provide visitors reminders about physical distancing. If law enforcement officers see visitors gathering in close proximity in parks, they may stop to request visitors spread out and create more distance.

The Home Run Dog Park is closed until further notice. Dog owners can walk their pets on leashes on the Linear Park path, and the three miles of trails at Woodland Park and Nature Preserve, 14175 Helmer Road.

Willard Beach Park, 50 George B Place, is open only to pedestrian entry. Visitors can access the 26 miles of Linear Park path in Bailey Park, downtown Battle Creek, Leila Arboretum, and elsewhere in the city.

Please visit bcparks.org for more information on, and specific locations of all city parks, as well as a Linear Park map.

Marshall:

All City of Marshall parks are open and we encourage the use of the parks while maintaining social distancing. The Riverwalk and Brooks Nature Area offer several miles of walking trails. The playground equipment, pavilions, and public bathrooms at all parks are closed until further notice. Please go to www.cityofmarshall.com for a complete list of city parks and a park map.

Springfield:

Playground equipment is not sanitized and social distancing practices are strongly encouraged. Enjoy open spaces, but remain six feet away from others at all times.

The National Recreation and Parks Association provided these tips for enjoying public recreation safely:

Refrain from using parks or trails if you are exhibiting symptoms.

Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to and during use of parks or trails.

Prepare for no access to public restrooms or water fountains.

While on trails, warn other users of their presence and as they pass, and step aside to let others pass.

Follow CDC guidance on the recommended size of social gatherings including outdoor picnicking, pick-up sports and other group hangouts, and maintain proper physical distance at all times.

Observe CDC’s minimum recommended social distancing of 6 feet from other individuals at all times. If this is not possible, users should find an alternate location or depart that space.

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For updates from Calhoun County, about County operations and COVID-19 in Calhoun County, visit the County website,calhouncountymi.gov.

The State’s COVID-19 Hotline is available for anyone who has questions or concerns related to the virus. The hotline is open seven days a week from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 1-888-535-6136. For state COVID-19 information, visitmichigan.gov/coronavirus.